Wenger not afraid of losing Sanchez

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he is not afraid of losing star man Alexis Sanchez in the January transfer window, after the speculation about the Chilean’s future continues to grow.

Sanchez has just 6 months remaining on his current deal, and with no indication he will extend it the likely outcome is that he will be sold in January.

The forward scored twice on Thursday night as Arsenal beat Palace 3-2, with Sanchez’s first goal being met with divided celebrations. But after the game Wenger admitted that there are no fractures in the Gunners’ camp regarding the Chilean’s future.

When asked by Sky Sports News if there is a divide in camp, Wenger simply replied: “No, not at all. I did not see that.

“I am not fearful [of a bid coming in], but that is a subject that will turn up because of his contract situation.

“I have said that many times since the start of the season so I can only repeat what I have said.”

Sanchez’s brace won Arsenal the game after Andros Townsend cancelled out Shkodran Mustafi’s opener, and though James Tomkins ensured a nervy finish at Selhurst Park, the Gunners held on to move one point behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

“It was convincing, the second half was more difficult than the first because we didn’t take advantage of the chances we created,” Wenger said of the result.

“When you come here it’s a difficult game for everybody – to go home with the three points you need to suffer a little bit, and we did that tonight.”